2012 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1, Picks 1-16, 2/28

Round 1, Picks 17-32, Round 2, Round 3, Round 4, Round 5, Round 6, Draft Blog, NFL Draft Page,Senior Bowl Coverage , NFL Combine Coverage

1. Indianapolis Colts– QB Andrew Luck, Stanford:            

The Colts won’t debate this pick much, and even though they could auction this pick off to the highest bidder, I really can’t see them passing on Luck. Luck might not be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but he might be the most talented QB prospect in the last 10 years.

TRADE: Browns give up 4, 22 and 37

The #2 pick has become a valuable trade chip for the Rams, thanks to Robert Griffin's performance at the Combine.

2. Cleveland Browns (via St. Louis)– QB Robert Griffin, Baylor:         

The Browns definitely don’t want to give up this much for RGIII, but they need a quarterback bad, and with having that extra 1st rounder, they don’t have to trade away future picks. Griffin showcased his impressive athletic ability at the Combine, but answered the biggest question, which was his height. He has the potential to be a franchise caliber quarterback, and the Browns hope he is the answer to their woes.

3. Minnesota Vikings-  OT Matt Kalil, USC:

The Vikings could go in other directions, but it would be pretty hard to pass up Matt Kalil. He’s a franchise LT, and can help make the lives easier of both Christian Ponder and Adrian Peterson. He is the most talented tackle to come out since Jake Long, and should have a similar immediate impact.

4. St. Louis (via Cleveland)- CB Morris Claiborne, LSU:     

It will be tough for the Rams to pass on Matt Kalil, but getting a pair of additional top 40 picks, should ease the Rams pain. Also easing their pain is getting the draft’s top corner in Morris Claiborne. The one good thing about the Rams having so many needs is the fact that no matter what they really can’t go wrong.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers– CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama:

The Bucs have to come out of this draft with at least one early round corner back, and if Claiborne is gone they might reach for Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick’s recent run in with the law might give them some pause, but they will have plenty of time to investigate to see if it cause for concern. If it checks out, they’d be wise to make him their top pick.

6. Washington Redskins- OT Riley Reiff, Iowa:

With the top two quarterbacks off the board, the Redskins will have to turn to their second rated need, offensive tackle. Reiff could be an instant starter at right tackle for the Redskins and give Washington a bookend (and insurance policy) with Trent Williams on the left side. If they don’t make the move up for RGIII though, the Skins best move might be trading back and trying to stockpile additional selections.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars– WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State:     

While this has been a rough season for Blaine Gabbert, the Jaguars only have themselves to blame as they put him in a bad situation with limited weapons. Drafting Blackmon will go a long way to fixing the lack of weapons and will hopefully salvage this team.

8. Miami Dolphins- OG David DeCastro, Stanford:

The Dolphins might be losing guard Vernon Carey this offseason, which would make them have among the league’s worst guards. Even if they were to retain Carey this could be a smart pick, especially if Miami makes a splash with Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn.

9. Carolina Panthers– DT Micheal Brockers, LSU:

The Panthers could look to go in a variety of directions here, but the most obvious one would be defensive tackle. Micheal Brockers was a bit of a surprise entry to the draft, but he is a very welcome addition. The Panthers will love having him manning the middle of their defense and significantly improving their run defense.

10. Buffalo Bills- DE Melvin Ingram, South Carolina:        

The Bills two biggest needs are CB and DE. While it is possible they could look at moving up for Claiborne or Kirkpatrick, I think they will look to stay where they are. With the top two CB’s off the market the Bills will have no trouble moving on to their other big need. Ingram would be an excellent pick here, and give them the pass rusher they are desperately lacking.

11.  Kansas City Chiefs– MLB Luke Kuechly, Boston College:

I think Kansas City will look to add a defender with this pick, given Crennel’s background. While Derrick Johnson is star at one ILB spot, KC doesn’t have much at the other one. Kuechly is an incredible player and could give the Chiefs another stud player on defense. The Kansas City run defense could really be a special unit, which is good since the Chiefs face some tough running teams.

12.  Seattle Seahawks-QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M:  

Seahawks could get their QB of the future in Ryan Tannehill.

The Cardinals desperately need to address their offensive line in this draft, with finding a LT a top priority. With Martin sliding here the Cards can fill their biggest need and hopefully give Kevin Kolb the protection he needs to be successful in the NFL. Martin excels more in pass blocking, and should hopefully give Kolb enough time to find Larry Fitzgerald.

14. Dallas Cowboys- OLB Quinton Coples, UNC:

The Cowboys can go in a number of different directions with this pick. If they don’t retain Anthony Spencer, then I’d expect finding a complementary pass rusher to Ware will be at the top of their list. Coples would be a fantastic fit for them, and give Dallas a devastating pass rush.

15. Philadelphia Eagles- ILB Dont’a Hightower, Alabama:

The Eagles appear to be set at WR if they do end up franchising D. Jackson, so that makes LB the top priority for the first round. A lot of people will question Hightower’s speed, but his instincts and production are hard to ignore. And Hightower showed at the combine that while he doesn’t have great speed it is above average and very playable.

16. New York Jets- OLB Nick Perry, USC:

It’s really amazing that the Jets have been able to generate much pressure at all considering the lack of a truly great pass rusher. Outside of getting a better option at QB, the Jets need to come away with a pass rusher this offseason. Perry is a good fit here, as he’s a relentless edge rusher, who should generate a lot of pressure. He’s still a bit raw overall, but should help on at least a situational level next year.

Round 1, Picks 17-32, Round 2, Round 3, Round 4, Round 5, Round 6, Draft Blog, NFL Draft Page,Senior Bowl Coverage, NFL Combine Coverage